Delhi Fog Delays 60+ Flights, 24 Trains Late

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Delhi experienced its fifth consecutive cold wave day. Over 60 flights were delayed due to thick fog on Friday. Several flights were cancelled at Delhi Airport. At least 24 trains are also running late. The weather department issued an orange alert for Delhi.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Thick Fog Disrupts Traffic in North India, Delhi Severely Affected

Friday saw widespread traffic disruptions across North India, particularly in Delhi and its surrounding regions, due to dense fog. The fog has severely impacted both air and rail traffic, causing significant delays. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport reported zero visibility in the early morning. Airport authorities cautioned about possible disruptions to flight operations. The India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Delhi, predicting “dense to very dense fog.”

Flight Operations Hampered at Delhi Airport

According to Flightradar, a flight monitoring website, at least 60 departing flights were delayed at Delhi Airport. Six flights were cancelled. The arrival of 193 flights was also delayed, while four were cancelled. Kolkata Airport reported 17 departing flights delayed, one cancelled, and 36 arriving flights delayed. Airlines like IndiGo and Spicejet have alerted passengers about potential weather-related delays.

Train Services Face Major Delays

The persistent fog has also caused significant delays in train services. At least 24 trains are running late, including several long-distance services. Some trains are delayed by as much as 4.5 hours. Affected trains include the Karnataka and Bihar Sampark Kranti Expresses, the Bhatinda-Balurghat Farakka Express, the Andhra Pradesh Express, and the Ayodhya Express. The Railways have informed passengers of the situation.

Road Accident in Punjab Due to Poor Visibility

Reduced visibility due to the fog led to a collision between a private bus and a truck in Bathinda, Punjab, resulting in injuries to 20 to 25 passengers. The accident highlights the dangers associated with the thick fog conditions across the region.

Cold Wave Intensifies, Orange Alert Issued

The National Capital Region (NCR) is experiencing its fifth consecutive day of a cold wave. Maximum temperatures have significantly dropped. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange warning for Delhi. In Noida, district authorities have ordered schools to remain closed for classes up to grade 8 until further notice. The weather department forecasts a low of 8 degrees Celsius for Noida on Friday.

Severe Cold and Fog in Multiple States

States such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar are also grappling with severe cold waves accompanied by dense fog. In Bihar, minimum temperatures are expected to remain between 6-11 degrees Celsius. The government has revised school timings in response, operating schools from 9 am to 4 pm until January 6. Fatehpur in Rajasthan recorded the lowest temperature of 3.6 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Dense fog has led to extensive flight and train delays in Delhi. An orange alert has been issued by the weather department. Multiple states across North India are experiencing severe cold waves and dense fog. Poor visibility due to fog has caused road accidents. Schools have been closed in many areas, and school timings have been adjusted in some states.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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